Bar La Sirene

La Sirene is one of Melbourne’s most established breweries. Since 2010, co-owners and partners Costa and Eva Nikias have pushed boundaries with their wild-fermented brews. The duo opened their first taproom in Alphington in 2022, before a council-imposed closure led them here: a converted warehouse handily located near a large nature reserve.

La Sirene doesn’t operate like most modern breweries. It employs centuries-old techniques with Flemish roots, fermenting in giant, open-top metal bathtubs called coolships. The coolships have a large surface area that cools the liquid faster. The open top also allows airborne yeasts and bacteria from the environment to inoculate the beer, resulting in complex flavours that make La Sirene stand out. With Edwardes Lake, Merri Creek and Coburg Lake nearby, the team can experiment with the microbes in their brews and create drinks that are unique to the area.

The drinks list is extensive. Fourteen taps showcase an eclectic mix of beers ranging from an easy-drinking Czech-style lager to an adventurous chocolate, hazelnut and vanilla stout (and plenty of sours, pale ales and wild farmhouse drops in between). Plus, find dozens of bottled and canned beers to drink here or take home, as well as a curated local wine selection. Cocktails, meanwhile, adopt La Sirene’s beers to approach classics with a twist – think a Negroni using the Farmhouse red ale.

Food-wise, grazing boards and salty snacks take the lead; grilled seafood and steak or ham sandwiches are more substantial options, while plates of Tuscan olives, cheeseboards and sardines on Wild Life Bakery sourdough make great lighter pairings.

The taproom is in a converted mechanic’s warehouse that feels as rustic as the brewing process. Outside, a north-facing courtyard with picnic tables catches plenty of sun. Stepping inside through barn-style doors, you’ll find dozens of wooden barrels. Indoor tables made from recycled wood and a long bar is nestled between the coolship and giant brew kegs, placing visitors quite literally in the middle of the brewing process.